Iconic Dublin café to close its doors today for six-month refurbishment

A café which has been a Dublin institution for nearly 90 years closes its doors on Friday to undergo substantial refurbishment work, which will see it remain closed for the next six months.

Bewley’s Cafe in Grafton St, Dublin which is closing for renovation until the autumn Image by Paul Downey / CC BY 2.0

The famed Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street is currently losing over €20,000 a week, but a €1 million redevelopment will see it re-open with a reduced size capacity, enabling it to return to profitability. Plans with Dublin City council will see the business confined to the ground floor which will still comprise a substantial space of 18,000 sq ft – allowing seating for 160 patrons.

The Irish Times reports that when it re-opens, there will be a more limited menu than previously which will focus on hot drinks and baked food rather than hot food. The current staff level of 140 will be halved under the blueprint which aims to achieve economic viability in the future.